November 02, 2005

One Word Tea Review

by peterb

Upton Tea's "Imperial Grade" Lapsang Souchong:

Ugh.

Posted by peterb at November 2, 2005 09:04 PM | Bookmark This
Comments

"Tastes like burnt twigs!" never really held much appeal to me. My officemate likes Lapsang Souchong, though he is unrefined and uses *gasp* teabags.

Numi Tea's Soky Tarry, fwiw. It makes the office smell like a campfire. That's not a bad thing, but I don't want to drink it.

Posted by Shelby Davis at November 3, 2005 09:25 AM

I've never liked Lapsang Souchong, which I find tastes of fish. I'd be interested to know if your dislike is just for Upton's version, or for Lapsang Souchong in general.

Posted by Chris at November 3, 2005 09:38 AM

A cup of Lapsang Souchong is potent and tastes a bit like a wet, piney campfire. It's not everyone's cup of tea. It's certainly not one of my favorites and, in fact, numbs my tongue to a certain degree. I do, however, like to add a pinch to other teas when I want a more smoky cup or a bit o' pine. (I have also been tempted to flavor a custard or an ice cream with it.)

Posted by Tom Moertel at November 3, 2005 11:26 AM

I've certainly enjoyed Lapsang Souchong as an element in blends. Perhaps I'm just not man enough to take it full-strength.

Mostly, this batch smells like iodine to me.

Posted by peterb at November 3, 2005 04:24 PM

I like Lapsang Souchong with plenty of milk and sugar to cushion the smoke and pine. I'd never drink it straight.

Posted by Nat at November 3, 2005 05:23 PM

Iodine, eh? I guess no Islay Scotch for you then.

I really liked the now defunct Water and Leaves's Lapsang Souchong. It was more BBQ than campfire. No very tarry.

Posted by Amos the Poker Cat at November 3, 2005 06:07 PM

Speaking of tea in general and finding myself out of Assam this morning and DESPERATE to find tea for tomorrow morning, I was quite happy to learn that the Vault Coffee and Tea Bar, California Avenue, North Side, PGH, has a nice Assam blend.
For you North Side tea folks in a bind, The Vault has a nice tea selection. Check them out.

Posted by Chautauquast at November 5, 2005 09:57 PM

I like Lapsang, cut with just a bit of honey.

I don't know anyone else who actually enjoys it besides me, though. One friend told me that it "smells like old gym socks."

Heh.

Posted by Jason at November 7, 2005 09:07 AM

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